As we continue to age, it is important for us to monitor our health and what we are putting inside of our bodies. One of the most easily overlooked, but very important things to monitor are our vitamins in our diets. Vitamins are very important nutrients that perform vital functions in our bodies. When we are lacking in these vitamins, we will start to experience certain symptoms. It’s important that you are aware of what these signs look like because if you are deficient, then you will want to work on replacing those deficiencies with a solid diet.
Common causes of vitamin deficiencies
One of the main reasons that people have vitamin deficiencies is because of a limited diet. As we get older, we may not eat as many foods or a large variety of foods. Having a variable diet can help us obtain all of the nutrients that we need. Eating may not be as common of a practice the older we get for a variety of reasons. One, is that eating is a social activity. When you don’t have anyone to eat with anymore, then you may not find yourself eating as often.
Another reason is the act of eating can be more difficult due to ill-fitting dentures, lost teeth, muscle weakness, etc. Therefore, people may opt for softer foods such as soups, smoothies, puddings, etc. These items may have lost some of their nutritional content due to be pureed, juiced, and manufactured.
A third potential cause of vitamin deficiencies is that sometimes our bodies just don’t absorb them as well when we get older. This can be for a variety of reasons. There may be increased internal bleeding that can cause issues with absorption. Hormonal balances can also be a cause of poor absorption. And chronic conditions such as peptic ulcer disease can also create issues with absorption. Any surgeries that led to removals of any part of your small or large intestine can cause issues with absorbing nutrients as well. All of these could contribute to low levels of absorption which can lead to vitamin deficiencies, especially if they are unaddressed over a long period of time.
Keep these in mind if you begin to experience any of the various symptoms written below. These are just a few of the many different vitamin deficiencies that you could experience, so this list is not definitive nor diagnostic. If you have any issues, it’s very important that you speak with your physician.
Symptoms of Common Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin C Deficiency
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that is responsible for producing collagen – the tissue in your skin and other connective tissues that keeps everything together and flexible. Without Vitamin C, your body is unable to handle the natural wear and tear that skin and other connective tissues can experience. This can lead to a condition called scurvy. Scurvy happens when you have excessive gum bleeding, bruise easily, fatigue and weakness, and other mood dysregulations. If you notice excessive bleeding or bruising that causes concern for issues such as elder abuse, but you haven’t had any recent trauma, then it may be time to re-evaluate your diet.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is produced when you receive sunlight. This is why it’s so important to get outside because the sun activates enzymes in your body that trigger the production of Vitamin D. Without access to sunlight, this can be a problem. Those who live in places with limited sun availability (such as the northern hemisphere during certain parts of the year) or those with darker skin tones who may find it harder to absorb sunlight may have trouble maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can also be caused by kidney disease because Vitamin D is made in the kidneys. Hypoparathyroidism is another cause of Vitamin D deficiency because it will signal to the kidneys to not produce Vitamin D. There are so many causes, but a lack of Vitamin D can cause osteoporosis and osteopenia – both of which are common causes of fractures and injuries from everyday activities. Supplementation with Vitamin D and calcium can be a good way to keep your levels high, in addition to getting adequate amounts of sunlight.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in creating red blood cells and DNA.Without enough Vitamin B12, you may experience anemia from a deficient amount of adequately sized red blood cells. Anemia can cause pallor, easy fatigue, and overall levels of low energy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause some neurological effects. Some of those include neuropathy, or feelings of numbness in the lower half of the body. Vitamin B12 is stored in the liver for a very long time, so it takes a while to develop this deficiency. A B12 Deficiency is normally caused by a loss of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of B12. Intrinsic factor can be reduced by autoimmune gastritis, and small or large bowel resections. If you are tested and deficient in Vitamin B12, then it is important to begin taking supplements to restore your energy levels.
Folate Deficiency
Folate is similar to Vitamin B12 in that it is involved in the creation of important biological cells. This deficiency presents more quickly than Vitamin B12 but is similar in the sense that it creates anemia which can lead to the aforementioned symptoms. Folate deficiency can be avoided by eating leafy green vegetables – many of which are very high in Folate. If you do not like vegetables such as greens and spinach, then you may want to find some way to incorporate them into your diet. You can also take a Folate vitamin or supplement if you are deficient.
Thiamine Deficiency
Thiamine deficiency, or Vitamin B1 deficiency is another common vitamin deficiency, especially in those with prolonged alcohol use. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to a disease called Wernicke-Korsakoff. Wernicke-Korsakoff looks like an early dementia with a staggering, or drunken walking pattern. If you or someone you know is suddenly having issues with their memory, walking, and daily brain functions such as speaking, then you may have a thiamine deficiency. Other causes include poor diet, kidney disease, gastric bypass, and starvation. It is important to talk to your doctor about getting you the proper nutrition so you do not encounter this deficiency or worsen it if you already are experiencing it.
These are just a few of the many common vitamin deficiencies that can affect older individuals. Some of these may be due to a lack of care. Diverse Health Services is a home health agency that can help individuals who may not be able to care for themselves or complete activities of daily living. These activities include cooking, grocery shopping, preparing foods, cleaning, running errands, laundry, transportation to doctor’s appointments, medication dispensing, etc. If you or your loved one could use some extra support, please click on our services link to see if we are good fit for your family.
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